Under-20 League

At today’s SPL General Meeting, SPL clubs unanimously approved the introduction of an Under-20 League from season 2012/13.

The introduction of the Under-20 League forms an important part of Scottish FA Performance Director Mark Wotte’s review of the Elite Player Pathway.

All SPL clubs will participate in the Under-20 League and the SPL Board may also permit a club or clubs in the SFL to participate in the Under-20 League.

Neil Doncaster, SPL Chief Executive, said: "Providing the right platform for developing young Scottish players is vital for the whole of Scottish football and I am delighted to announce the introduction of an Under-20 League from next season.

"Working in conjunction with the Scottish FA, I would hope this goes someway to reducing the development gap between the current Under-19 League and the Clydesdale Bank Premier League to better equip young players for the demands of first team football and aiding the development of more and better young Scottish players for the Scotland national team."

Mark Wotte, Scottish FA Performance Director: "I am delighted at the decision of the SPL clubs today to approve the introduction of the Under-20 League. This is a fundamental part of the Scottish FA’s Performance Strategy and it will be vital in bridging the gap between the current under-19s and the first-team squads.

"I am hugely encouraged by the positive discussions that have taken place between the SPL and the Scottish FA and, in particular, the support of the clubs’ Heads of Youth and chairmen during the period of consultation."

Stewart Regan, Scottish FA Chief Executive: "Today’s decision is a major step forward in the football bodies working together in the best interests of the game. Mark Wotte has identified the Under-20 League as a key driver of the Performance Strategy and I am delighted the clubs share his vision."
Notes to editors
Under-20 Player means a player who had not attained the age of 19 years on 31 December of the year before the year in which the relevant Season commences.